185. Craig Charles of Crown Cutz Academy discusses barbering and mental health

About the Guest:Craig Charles is the entrepreneurial force behind Crown Cutz Academy, having established a significant presence in the barbering and beauty education industry. With a Caribbean background and a journey that took him from Boston to East Tennessee State on a football scholarship, Craig's passion for cutting hair began at an early age. After a stint in NFL football with the San Francisco 49ers, Craig pivoted back to his barbering roots, starting his own business in Johnson City in 2004. Craig's dedication to the craft extended to founding barbering schools and becoming an advocate for mental health training, positioning him as a notable figure both locally and nationally.Episode Summary:In this exchange, Colin Johnson warmly welcomes Craig Charles to his podcast, where listeners are invited to discover the multifaceted trajectory of a former NFL player turned barber and educator. The episode opens on a sunny day in Johnson City, setting a relaxed tone for an in-depth look at Craig's contributions to the community, including the inception of Crown Cutz Academy.Delving into Craig's background, we learn about his start in barbering, his dedication to improving mental health awareness, and his recognition by the state of Tennessee. The conversation flows effortlessly, covering Craig's journey from cutting hair in his youth to addressing mental health in his current work. Social initiatives like training women in jail to become nail technicians are also highlighted. In weaving these narratives, key insights are shared about the importance of living your passion, community involvement, and crafting a fulfilling career path.Key Takeaways:Craig Charles' journey from the NFL to becoming a barber and business owner illustrates the value of transforming passions into professions.Crown Cutz Academy isn't just about teaching barbering — it's focused on mentoring students in financial literacy, mental health, and holistic life skills.Craig actively volunteers, providing valuable resources and mentorship to the incarcerated community — a testament to his commitment to societal change.The success of Crown Cutz Academy has led to the extension of services in the Tri-Cities area and ambitions to open schools in Asheville and Boston.A planned tour focused on mental health training showcases Craig's dedication to expand the positive impacts of his industry beyond the salon.Notable Quotes:"If I just teach you how to be a barber, I have done you a diservice. I want you to be a whole person.""From a pair of clippers to Capitol Hill, anything could happen.""Take your time. Everything happens in time. If you trust your product and you cultivate it, it's going to do you well.""You don't have to be alone in this world. There are a lot of people who love you and you don't even know."Resources:Craig Charles' Academy: Crown Cutz Academy ([Website not provided in transcript])Podcast: Barber College Success ([Podcast not provided in transcript])Mental Health Hotline: 988, the national hotline for suicide preventionEvent: Reggae Wine and Shine in collaboration with Tennessee Hills DistilleryEncouraged by Craig Charles' engaging story and insights? Dive into the full episode to learn more about his remarkable transition from the gridiron to grooming, his community-driven initiatives, and his contagious enthusiasm for life in Johnson dynamics. Stay tuned for more inspiring content that sheds light on the threads that bind our community together.